What are Labubu dolls, the cute 'monster' dolls that are taking the fashion industry by storm?

First Post

23-05-2025

Labubu, a mischievous elf-like doll, has become the latest it-girl accessory. Once a niche collectible, it's now become the go-to charm for trendsetters. From Blackpink's Lisa and Rosé to Bollywood's Ananya Pandey, everyone has one. What makes it so special? read more
People look at collectable designer art toy Labubu at a Pop Mart pop-up store in Siam Center shopping mall in Bangkok on May 6, 2025. AFP
What do a spiky-haired creature with sharp teeth and a toothy grin have in common with high fashion and celebrity culture? A lot, apparently—if you ask Labubu fans.
Still confused?
Meet Labubu, the mischievous little monster, that's become the latest it-girl accessory. Once a niche collectible, it's now become the go-to charm for trendsetters looking to add a dash of fun to their looks— and their bags.
From Paris to Seoul, people everywhere have fallen in love with this fuzzy, grinning 'monster' doll. It's cute, a little chaotic, and somehow, the perfect finishing touch. Here's how Labubu has become a global sensation.
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First things first, what is a Labubu?
With its pointed ears, jagged teeth, and a mischievous grin, Labubu looks like something straight out of a fairy tale—or maybe a little goblin from a bedtime story. And honestly, that's not too far off.
Labubu is a spirited, elf-like girl inspired by Nordic mythology, known for her wild imagination and love for adventure. She lives in a whimsical world alongside other playful characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. Together, they travel around spreading joy—though they often end up in a bit of mischief along the way.
'It's never malicious,' Emily Brough, head of licensing at Pop Mart North America, told The New York Times. 'It's well-intentioned trouble.'
People look at collectable designer art toy Labubu at a Pop Mart pop-up store in Siam Center shopping mall in Bangkok on May 6. AFP
Labubu was originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung for a children's picture book, part of a fantasy series called The Monsters. The book became a hit, and soon the characters jumped off the page—first as collectible toys, then as part of an animated series.
By 2019, the character had been picked up by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. As they hit the shelves, Labubu grew into a cult favourite—especially among Gen Z and trend-conscious millennials across Asia, Europe, and the US.
Labubus are no longer just toys; they have become a fashion statement. File image/ Reuters
Cut to the present, Labubus are no longer just toys; they have become a fashion statement. And here's the wild part: these dolls are sold in 'blind boxes,' which means buyers have no clue which version they're getting until they open it. This mystery element has only added to the hype.
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How Labubu is taking over the globe
Labubu's rise to fashion fame started off quietly, but things took a sharp turn when one of the members of popular K-pop band BlackPink, Lisa, revealed her personal collection of Labubu dolls.
Speaking to Variety, Lisa admitted she's been 'going crazy for them for almost a year.'
'I spent all my money' at these stores, she told the magazine.
She even confessed she was 'sad' because she just couldn't get enough of them. After she was seen with four different Labubu figures hanging off her bag, the internet completely lost it. Not long after, another viral clip showed her bandmate Rosé casually holding a Labubu, adding even more fuel to the trend.
Blankpink's Rose and Lisa with Labubu dolls. Image courtesy: X
And it's not just K-pop stars obsessing over these quirky little dolls. Celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa have also been spotted with Labubu charms dangling from their designer bags.
The trend has made its way to India too. Recently, Bollywood's Ananya Panday was seen carrying a bag with a pink Labubu charm on it.
The success of Labubu
What started as a playful toy has now become a full-fledged fashion accessory, with brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton jumping on board for collaborations.
The success of Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the brand, has been somewhat recession-proof, according to Bloomberg, with its stock and profits rallying despite global economic uncertainty and trade war concerns.
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As per Bloomberg, the company pulled in $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024—a jump of over 100 per cent from the year before.
Labubu and The Monsters series alone brought in around $400 million last year, marking a massive 726 per cent increase in just one year. That makes it one of Pop Mart's top-selling product lines.
Labubu and The Monsters series alone brought in around $400 million last year to Pop Mart. File image/ AFP
Each time a new Labubu hits the shelves, it sells out within minutes. While the base dolls retail for around $30 (around Rs. 2,500), some rare, limited-edition versions can go for a lot more. The demand is so intense, it's led to shortages, with fans scrambling to get their hands on even one.
'I think as adults, we have a lot of responsibilities, things to take care of, bills, people,' said Thania Gonzalez, 31, who's collected nearly every colour of Labubu from each release. Speaking to NBC News, she added, 'And I think Labubus bring people back to their childhood. It's like dressing them, how cute they are, just looking at them. It's like a little plush you can make look like you. I think it heals people's inner child.'
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With input from agencies